Saeed Abedini, an American pastor imprisoned for his faith in Iran, has been released from solitary confinement and returned to the general population of Evin Prison.

Pastor Saeed spent more than a week in what's described as a "small dark hole."

"This is a critical development and does raise hope after a very discouraging week," Jordan Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, wrote.

Saeed's wife, Nagmeh Abedini, called his release the "direct result of the multitudes praying."

"I am relieved my husband is out of solitary, but still am deeply concerned about Saeed's health," she said. "While this is a small victory, I am still demanding justice be done and that Saeed be released.

Nagmeh is imploring President Obama to speak out on behalf of her husband. She says the president has been quick to offer support to others, such as gay basketball player Jason Collins, but is ignoring her family's plight.Saeed is serving an eight-year sentence in Evin Prison, reputedly one of worst anywhere in the world. He's suffered internal injuries from beatings by guards and has been denied medical treatment.

Secretary of State John Kerry and White House spokesman Jay Carney have called on Iran to release the pastor.